Throughout Nebraska’s 2018 season, one of the questions that persisted week after week was where the Husker offense might turn for a reliable third receiver.

That one never really materialized was felt most acutely when NU played its final two games without talented sophomore JD Spielman.

Spielman’s absence against Michigan State and Iowa hurt in its own right, but it also helped preview one of the major storylines of the offseason: Where do the Huskers go for production at the receiver position in 2019?

Though Spielman will be back and has an entire offseason to recover from an ankle injury, Nebraska must replace Stanley Morgan, one of the most decorated pass-catchers in Husker history.

Morgan, of course, became the school’s first 1,000-yard receiver and hauled in 70 passes, bringing his two-year marks to 131 catches, 1,990 yards (15.2 per catch) and 17 touchdowns.

So let’s get the first, clearest part out of the way: Nebraska’s not going to just drop someone in Morgan’s spot and replicate those kind of numbers and demand the kind of attention the New Orleans native did.

“I feel like a lot of guys are working really, really hard so that next year, when that void is there, we can fill it and we can produce as much as Stan produced this year,” walk-on redshirt freshman Kade Warner said before NU’s finale against the Hawkeyes. “We’re excited for next year and we’re going to miss him a lot, obviously. He’s a great dude, but I think we’re ready.”

Emphasis on, “a lot of guys.”

Nebraska rolled through several No. 3 receivers in 2018. Warner eventually played the most. Junior college transfers Mike Williams and Jaron Woodyard each saw time but never really found a rhythm. Bryan Reimers had a small role. Add in redshirt freshman-to-be Andre Hunt, a holdover in Jaevon McQuitty, a slot type like Miles Jones, perhaps Justin McGriff depending on where the staff wants him to play, incoming freshmen like Jamie Nance and Darien Chase, and there is certainly no lack of candidates.

“I feel like I am going to help fill that role,” Woodyard said. “I’m happy Stan was here and I got to play with him for a year. He’s a leader, definitely, and a guy I look up to and everything. I definitely feel like I can fill that role next year.”

Frost said in the middle of the season that Woodyard, a speedy receiver who came to NU from Arizona Western, would have benefited greatly from getting to Lincoln for spring ball rather than in June. Woodyard readily agreed with that sentiment late last month.

“You get graded off of how you play and perform in practice, so if you perform well in practice, you’ll play,” he said. “I’m still kind of learning that stuff right now but I’ll definitely be there next year when I know everything and get everything dialed. I’m not in a rush, I’m patient, I’m still trying to learn and get everything done, focus up on the little things just to get on the field.

“I feel really confident about next year.”

There will certainly be targets to go around.

Morgan’s 70 catches came on 113 targets, per the Journal Star’s numbers. Spielman had 66 grabs on 93 targets in 10 games.

Next? Warner was targeted 24 times, Williams 16 and Reimers 9. Tight end Jack Stoll (37) and running backs Devine Ozigbo (38) and Maurice Washington (28) all had more targets than those players.

And, despite the volume, Morgan and Spielman each averaged far more yardage per target (8.9 and 8.8, respectively), than the others (Williams was third-best among receivers at 7.6). No wide receiver after the top two had a catch longer than 24 yards.

Woodyard, for his part, had just one grab for 10 yards. He hardly played against Michigan State on Nov. 17, but after the game tweeted, “Wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

“I say that because you can just see it. Even though I don’t play that much, that’s fine because I’m still learning and everything like that,” he said when asked why he felt that way. “It’s just a vibe that you get here that you know it’s going to be a great team in the future. Maybe next year, year after that, as long as Coach Frost is here and recruiting the guys he’s getting, this program is going nowhere but up. I’m proud to be here and thankful to be here.”

Maybe Woodyard will emerge. Or maybe Williams or McQuitty. Or both. Or another transfer or a freshman or a younger returning player like Hunt. That’s sort of the bottom line with the NU receiving corps.

Welcome home, Scott, 12/2/17

The Memorial Stadium video board welcomed home new head coach Scott Frost, who played his last game on the field in 1997.

FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO

Scott Frost, Lincoln Airport, 12/2/17

New Nebraska head football coach Scott Frost arrives in Lincoln on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017.

FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR

Scott Frost, 12/3/17

A sign adorns the side of a house on the corner of N. 10th and Charleston Streets on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017.

KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star

Scott Frost, 12/3/17

Scott Frost stands on the tarmac with a group of security and support staff just after midnight Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017 at Lincoln Airport.

KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star

Frost tunnel walk, 12/3/17

Emerging from the Memorial Stadium tunnel on Dec. 3, new Nebraska football coach Scott Frost waves toward fans across the field. “It’s my hope that by returning this to its roots, and maybe with me coming back, that we can get that passion all pointed in the right direction,” he said.

Scott Frost news conference, 12/3/17

Scott Frost news conference, 12/3/17

Nebraska's new head football coach Scott Frost talks about his hope for the future of the program, the unity he hopes to garner from fans and the hard work the team will put in for next season Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, at Memorial Stadium.

KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star

Scott Frost news conference, 12/3/17

Nebraska's head football coach Scott Frost listens to a question during a news conference Dec. 3 at Memorial Stadium.

Scott Frost news conference, 12/3/17

Scott Frost news conference, 12/3/17

Scott Frost (right) emerges from the elevator with Husker athletic director Bill Moos (center) and former Husker receiver Matt Davison (left) for a news conference where Frost was introduced as the new Nebraska head football coach on Sunday at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR

Scott Frost news conference, 12/3/17

Scott Frost emerges from an elevator on Dec. 3, 2017, flanked by Husker athletic director Bill Moos (left) and Tom Osborne, his former coach at Nebraska.

FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR

Scott Frost news conference, 12/3/17

Nebraska athletic director Bill Moos speaks during a news conference where Scott Frost (right) is introduced as the new Nebraska football coach on Sunday at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR

Scott Frost news conference, 12/3/17

Scott Frost reacts to a question during a news conference after being introduced as the new Nebraska head football coach on Sunday at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR

Scott Frost news conference, 12/3/17

Scott Frost reacts to a question during a news conference after being introduced as the new Nebraska head football coach on Sunday at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR

Scott Frost news conference, 12/3/17

Scott Frost answers a question during a news conference after being introduced as the new Nebraska football coach Dec. 3 at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO

Scott Frost news conference, 12/3/17

Scott Frost (right) enjoys a moment with former Nebraska teammates Sean Wieting (left) and Jeff Lake (center) following his introductory news conference on Dec. 3. If Steve Glenn's plan comes to fruition, Husker letterwinner get-togethers would become more frequent.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo

Scott Frost news conference, 12/3/17

Nebraska athletic director Bill Moos (left) poses with new Huskers head football coach Scott Frost following a news conference on Dec. 3 at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO

Scott Frost news conference, 12/3/17

Scott Frost speaks as Huskers athletic director Bill Moos looks on during a news conference after being introduced as the new Nebraska head football coach on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR

Scott Frost news conference, 12/3/17

Scott Frost shakes hands with Nebraska president Hank Bounds as he hands off a Huskers helmet to athletic director Bill Moos following Frost's introductory news conference on Dec. 3.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star

Kansas vs. Nebraska, 12/16/17

Nebraska football coach Scott Frost salutes the crowd as he comes out onto the court prior to the Huskers' basketball game against Kansas on Dec. 17, 2017, at Pinnacle Bank Arena.

FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR

Kansas vs. Nebraska, 12/16/17

Nebraska football coach Scott Frost gets a hug as he walks out onto the court during pregame introductions before the Nebraska basketball game against Kansas on Dec. 16, 2017, at Pinnacle Bank Arena.

FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR

Scott Frost, 3/16/18

Nebraska head football coach Scott Frost speaks to the press following the team's first spring practice March 16 at the Hawks Championship Center.

KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star file photo

Red-White Spring Game pregame, 4/21/18

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost walks from the Hawks Championship Center to Memorial Stadium before the start of the Red-White Spring Game on April 21.

KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star

Red-White Spring Game, 4/21/18

Nebraska coach Scott Frost talks with Red team quarterback Adrian Martinez during the first half of the Red-White Spring Game in April at Memorial Stadium.

Journal Star file photo

Red-White Spring Game, 4/21/18

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost watches the action on the field during the first half on April 21 in the Red-White Spring Game at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR

Red-White Spring Game, 4/21/18

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost (right) talks with defensive coordinator Erik Chinander during the first half of the Red-White Spring Game in April at Memorial Stadium.

Journal Star file photo

Red-White Spring Game, 4/21/18

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost watches the Red team on offense during the Red-White Spring Game in April. Frost says assistants who are good coaches are usually good recruiters, too.

FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO

Red-White Spring Game, 4/21/18

Scott Frost leads Nebraska into a new season and a new era.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo

Red-White Spring Game, 4/21/18

Nebraska coach Scott Frost walks the field during the Red-White Spring Game on April 21 at Memorial Stadium.

JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO

Red-White Spring Game, 4/21/18

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost walks the field during the Red-White Spring Game on April 21 at Memorial Stadium.

JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO

Red-White Spring Game, 4/21/18

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost walks the field during the Red-White Spring Game on April 21 at Memorial Stadium.

JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO

Red-White Spring Game, 4/21/18

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost speaks to the media following the Red-White Spring Game on April 21 at Memorial Stadium.

KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star

Red-White Spring Game, 4/21/18

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost watches his team during warmups April 21 during the Red-White Spring Game at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO

Red-White Spring Game, 4/21/18

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost (right) smiles as he watches warm-ups prior to the Red-White Spring Game at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO

Red-White Spring Game, 4/21/18

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost walks the field during warmups before the start of the Red-White Spring Game on April 21 at Memorial Stadium.

KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star

Red-White Spring Game, 4/21/18

Nebraska Head Coach Scott Frost walks the field during warm ups before the start of the Red-White Spring Game on April 21 at Memorial Stadium.

KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star

Lincoln vs. Sioux City, 5/17/18

Nebraska football coach Scott Frost throws out the ceremonial first pitch before the Lincoln Saltdogs' season opener against the Sioux City Explorers on May 17 at Haymarket Park.

FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR

Lincoln vs. Sioux City, 5/17/18

Lincoln Saltdogs catcher Dalton Vergith (left) enjoys a moment with Nebraska football coach Scott Frost after getting his autograph following Frost's throwing out of the ceremonial first pitch for May 7 American Assocation game against Sioux City on Thursday at Haymarket Park. Vergith played locally for Nebraska Wesleyan and Lincoln North Star High School.

Friday Night Lights, 6/22

Friday Night Lights, 6/22

Nebraska football coach Scott Frost (right) talks with Ty Hahn during a Friday Night Lights camp June 22 at Memorial Stadium. Hahn is playing on the Lincoln Supreme 16U AAU basketball team this summer.

NU football vs. Minnesota, 10/20/18

Nebraska coach Scott Frost smiles following an extra point made by Barret Pickering against Minnesota during the second half at Memorial Stadium.

KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star

NU football vs. Minnesota, 10/20/18

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost is all smiles after getting drenched by water by Huskers players Broc Bando and Devine Ozigbo following the team's 53-28 win over Minnesota at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star

NU football vs. Minnesota, 10/20/18

Nebraska coach Scott Frost hugs quarterback Adrian Martinez near the end of the fourth quarter against Minnesota at Memorial Stadium.

EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star

NU football vs. Minnesota, 10/20/18

Quarterbacks coach Mario Verduzco embraces head coach Scott Frost (facing) at the end of the fourth quarter against Minnesota at Memorial Stadium.

EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star

NU football vs. Minnesota, 10/20/18

Nebraska coach Scott Frost hugs running back Devine Ozigbo at the end of the fourth quarter against Minnesota at Memorial Stadium.

EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star

NU football vs. Minnesota, 10/20/18

Head coaches Scott Frost of Nebraska and P.J. Fleck of Minnesota shake hands at Memorial Stadium.

EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star

NU football vs. Minnesota, 10/20/18

Nebraska coach Scott Frost shakes hands with Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck prior to the game Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star

NU Football vs. Minnesota, 10/20

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost laughs with players prior to the game against Minnesota on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. Nebraska defeated Minnesota 53-28.

KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star

NU Football vs. Minnesota, 10/20

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost (center) walks through the tunnel walk prior to the game against Minnesota on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. Nebraska defeated Minnesota 53-28.

KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star

NU football vs. Minnesota, 10/20/18

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost leads the Huskers out of the tunnel walk as they prepare to take on Minnesota at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star

NU football vs. Minnesota, 10/20/18

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost (left) talks with Huskers lineman Tanner Farmer (63) who went down injured during a fourth-quarter play against Minnesota at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star

Nebraska vs. Bethune-Cookman, 10/27

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost (right) acknowledges the cheers of the crowd after the Huskers defeated Bethune-Cookman at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star

Nebraska vs. Bethune-Cookman, 10/27

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost (right) watches warmups with Ron Brown, director of player development, at Memorial Stadium before the Bethune-Cookman game last month. Frost and his assistants will soon be spread across the country for recruiting.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo

Nebraska vs. Bethune-Cookman, 10/27

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost watches his team during warmups before the Bethune-Cookman game Oct. 27 at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star

Illinois at Nebraska, 11/10/18

Nebraska coach Scott Frost runs off the field following a 54-35 win over Illinois at Memorial Stadium.

Illinois at Nebraska, 11/10/18

Illinois at Nebraska, 11/10/18

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost on the sideline during the first half at Memorial Stadium.

KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star

Michigan State vs. Nebraska, 11.17

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost greets fans during the team's Unity Walk before the game against Michigan State at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star

Michigan State vs. Nebraska, 11.17

Parents of Sam Foltz, Jill and Gerald, Mike Sadler's mother Karen, sister Katie Sadler, head coaches Scott Frost and Mark Dantonio and special teams from Nebraska and Michigan State meet at center field in remembrance of the two punters at Memorial Stadium.

KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star

Michigan State vs. Nebraska, 11.17

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost addresses players and the families of Sam Foltz and Mike Sadler during a presentation in their remembrance at Memorial Stadium.

KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star

Michigan State vs. Nebraska, 11.17

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost leads the Huskers out of the tunnel for their final home game of the season at Memorial Stadium in November.

EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star file photo

Michigan State vs. Nebraska, 11.17

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost yells at an official following a pass interference call against the Huskers at Memorial Stadium.

EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star

Michigan State vs. Nebraska, 11.17

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost celebrates a 9-6 win over Michigan State with Ron Brown at Memorial Stadium.

KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star

Michigan State vs. Nebraska, 11.17

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost watches warmups before the Michigan State game Nov. 17 at Memorial Stadium.

FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star

Johnson-Brock vs. Mullen, 11.19

Nebraska coach Scott Frost watches the Class D-2 high school football championship matching Johnson-Brock and Mullen at Memorial Stadium.

KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star

Nebraska vs. Iowa, 11.23

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost combs his fingers through his hair following in frustration on Nov. 23 during the first half at Kinnick Stadium.

KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star

Nebraska vs. Iowa, 11.23

Nebraska coach Scott Frost looks at the video board of a replay of Adrian Martinez's intercepted pass to Michael Ojemudia on Nov. 23 during the second half at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.

KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star file photo

Nebraska vs. Iowa, 11.23

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost walks off the field after losing to Iowa on Nov. 23 during the second half at Kinnick Stadium.

KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star

Nebraska vs. Iowa, 11.23

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost walks off the field after losing to Iowa on Nov. 23 during the second half at Kinnick Stadium.

KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star

Nebraska vs. Iowa, 11.23

Coaches Kirk Ferentz (left) of Iowa and Nebraska's Scott Frost shake hands before the start of their Nov. 23 game in Iowa City, Iowa.